Currently Coveting

No matter how much clothes you have, and all the different outfit options that come along with a big closet, there will always be that piece or two that you wish you owned and for some reason or another, don't.

Spring Wish List

At the beginning of every season there's always pieces that I say I really want and I'm going to buy, but either I find that I already have something similar, or I end up spending money on other things instead. So this season I decided to make a wish list of all the things I've been coveting, that I've seen in magazines, blogs, or the runway.

1. White denim jacket

Jean jackets are one of my favourite things to wear in the spring, mostly because it just means I don't need to be lugging around a huge heavy winter coat. But lately I've just been loving the white denim, as I feel it gives a fresh take on the typical blue denim, and can actually be worn with even more (I still love my blue denim and wear it to death!). The thing I also love about this particular one from Joe Fresh is that it's collarless (very trendy) and more boxy than fitted. 

2. Jumpsuit

Of course I have a few shorts rompers that I love to wear in the summer- they're so easy to wear and, depending on the colour/pattern, you can dress them up or down for almost anything. But what I don't have is a long jumpsuit that I can wear in cooler weather, and these are oh so trendy right now. You can never go wrong with classic black; you can do bright or muted accessories with it depending where you're wearing it.

3. Kimono

As I talked about in my post Floral Kimonos, I am absolutely loving this trend for spring. And although the floral ones are probably my favourite, there's many other kimonos you could get, such as plain or other patterned ones. They're just great for warmer weather because they're so lightweight, but still give that little something to your outfit.

4. Platform Sandals

I started seeing some styles of sandals like this last summer, and it was only towards the end of the season that I decided i had to have a pair (I never did buy a pair last year). They're super comfortable, have great support because of the thick heel, and are the perfect balance of casual and chic. A pair in a colour like these white ones are perfect for the coming season!

5. Matching crop top set

Although crop tops are in for this spring/summer season (read my post Cream Of The Crop), I can't really explain why I'm so into these matching sets right now. I just think they're so cute and trendy, and they give you a very polished look. What's also great is you can mix and match each piece with other tops and bottoms, and even if it's a distinctive pattern, it'll be a completely different outfit. That's definitely worth it!

6. Ankle strap heels

I've been seeing this style for a while now, and you can do the peep toe for warmer weather and the closed toe for when it's a bit cooler out. The thick strap helps with support on your ankle, and won't dig in too much like a thinner strap.

7. The perfect dress

Though I have many spring/summer dresses, I actually surprisingly don't own a pink one. And now that pink is a go-to colour for spring, I decided that a dress in this colour is a must. This piece is also great because of the shape and fit, and will go perfectly with a denim jacket for during the day, or heels and a statement necklace for a night out.

I can actually already cross off some of these items, as I've been getting my closet ready for spring since the new year (what can I say, I literally can't wait for spring to come). I'm so excited for the weather to start getting warmer so I can finally start to wear them!

Grey Area

I've never really been the person to wear a lot of grey. I've just always loved black as a basic colour, as it's timeless and goes with pretty much anything. But lately, I've been seeing a lot of grey out there, whether on the street or the blogs. And I have to say, I'm really into it.

It's a great basic colour for warmer seasons like spring and summer, since it's not as harsh (or as hot) as black or navy (though I won't be putting away those colours for the season just yet). There's also so many different types of grey you can wear, that you can put it on everyday and no one would know you were wearing the same colour. There's salt and pepper, silver, metallic, and then there's light, medium, and dark grey. You can wear it patterned or graphic. There's greys with a blue, purple, or green tinge to it that give the look that something extra.

Here are some of my favourite grey pieces right now.

Tip: If you love this trend but think too much grey will be too blah for you, try adding a bright statement piece like a necklace, belt, or bag to give the look a little twist!

Floral Kimonos

This spring trend is a combination of two great pieces for the spring season of any year: light fabrics and floral prints.

Even though it's spring and the weather's only getting warmer, you sometimes still need a light layer on top of your tank or tee, or your outfit might just not be complete without one more garment. That's why kimonos are perfect for spring and summer; they're so light but still let you add some chic to your look. And why not throw some floral prints on them so they're just perfect for the season?

They come in all different lengths, silhouettes, styles, and colours, so you have so much room to make the look your own, while still being super trendy.

(Love how this one was styled as a bathing suit cover-up!)

Check out my post Anticipation to see how you can wear this trend even before the weather gets warm!

Anticipation

There's nothing like seeing spring merchandise in stores to get you out of your post-holiday, mid-winter funk. Sure winter was nice at the beginning when the snow was first falling and there was Christmas and new year's to look forward to, as well as cozy days in front of the fire during your days off. But now the snow has turned into slush and the holidays have come and gone. 

But it's also too early to start wearing all the lighter fabrics and shorter skirts and dresses, since it's still pretty cold out. But there are ways you can incorporate these looks and pieces into your pre-spring wardrobe without freezing or looking like you shouldn't be wearing that for another few months.

A great tip is to add some bulk and chunkiness to a light-weight item you want to wear. For instance, you can wear a thicker cotton or wool turtleneck under a sleeveless or short-sleeve dress. You can wear a heavy denim or chambray shirt under a cropped tropical wool or linen sweater. Take this floral kimono from H&M (what could be more springy?) But throw on a heavy turtle neck or sweater underneath, like this one from Club Monaco. The leather accents also make the look more wintery.

Shorter skirts and dresses are easy to warm up, by just wearing a thick or knit tight under them. You can also throw on a cardigan or wool blazer on top, and you'll look and feel cozy while still showing off your latest spring find. A spring maxi or midi length skirt is also good because it's long enough that you don't need the tights to make it more weather-appropriate, so you can create that look by doing something warmer on the top. Add an ankle boot to the outfit for an on-trend, stylish look.

You can also wear a spring colour, pattern, or fabric now by pairing it with a fall or winter colour. Try a dress like this one from Zara with a forest green, cable-knit cardigan like this one from Top Shop. The cardigan adds the perfect amount of cozy to the look, and with a cable-knit tight will look perfect for the pre-spring season.

Girl's Day Out

Last Sunday the women on my mom's side of the family all celebrated my great aunt's 65th birthday together. The guest list consisted of my grandmother and her two sisters (my great aunts, one of whom it was her birthday celebration), my aunt (my mom's sister), my other aunt (my mom's sister-in-law) and her twin daughters (my cousins), and my sister, mom, and myself. It was all so lovely- the food was delicious, the atmosphere was light and fun, and it was a nice change of pace not having all the men there!

We started off with drinks and snacks, then headed to the dining room for lunch and then dessert. We ended the afternoon off by opening presents and sharing stories about family. It was the perfect day off from work, spent with the women of the family.

I decided to keep it simple with a white sleeveless blouse and emerald green textured pants. Since it's still January I decided to stay in a darker winter palette, but lately I've been feeling that spring is just around the corner (although now with the recent weather, I can't remember why), and so I decided to throw in a burst of cobalt blue in my shoes and purse. I also opted for a red lip, as that adds sophistication and style to any outfit.

Pants: Smart Set

Top: H&M
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Bracelet: H&M

Purse: Co-Lab via Capezio

Shoes: H&M

Lipstick: Cockney by MAC

NYE 2014

Happy new year everyone!! This has been an amazing year for me, in all aspects of my life. I graduated university, completed two internships, started a fashion certificate program, and learned a lot about myself overall. I also started my blog. It has been so much fun and I want to thank everyone for all the support. I hope you all have enjoyed reading it as much as I have writing it!

I spent new year's eve with one of my favourite people in the world: my sister. She is my best friend and we always have the best times together and make the greatest memories, so there was no one i would have rather said goodbye to 2013 and ring in 2014 with than her.

We started out at Joey's for dinner, where we enjoyed drinks at delicious appetizers and dishes, and then headed over to Nathan Phillips Square for the countdown and new year's celebrations. It was a hell of a night, and I know it's going to be a hell of a year!

For my outfit I decided to stick with a classic black and white colour scheme and pearls, but throw in some sparkle  with this lace shirt.

(Shirt and blazer: H&M, Crop bustier: Dynamite, Necklaces: my mother)

Surprise, Surprise

I'm usually pretty on the ball with fall fashion- fur, boots, dark tones (just look at my fall fashion post)- it generally stays consistent from year to year. But this fall/winter I've seen some trends that have really surprised me, but after much consideration and a lot of exposure to them, I decided I really love.

Bright Blue

This never struck me as a fall colour. I mean, fall is all about the warm tones, wouldn't you feel cold in a bright blue in November? But after seeing it styled in store window after store window and street style after street style, I just couldn't resist.

I like to warm up the blue by adding some earth tones to the look, like this look from the Paul Smith F/W 2013 runway. Another way to make the blue look more for fall, pair it with something that couldn't be more autumn; a fur or shearling vest (this one's from Michael Kors). Also, an accessory, purse, or shoe (like these Nine West ones) in the colour is also great.

 

Floral

As much as I love spring and summer, when October and November roll around, I'm really looking forward to the hot chocolate, sitting around the fire, watching Christmas movies season. That's why when I first saw floral showing up in stores after labour day I had mixed feelings. But it's just so hard to not love this trend; if you love it in April, why not love it in October too?

Style it for fall by adding a knit cardigan, fur, or velvet pant with it (velvet is soo in this fall too).

I like this H&M dress with this heavy knit cardigan with fur trim, from Topshop. The contrasting materials lend the outfit an extra something. I also loved this floral Zara blouse with these J. Crew velvet green trousers.

Props to the visual merchandiser at Club Monaco and blogger A Keene Sense of Style for incorporating both of these trends!